Here's to Linda; and the old Arlington Grill

It was with great sadness that I noted the passing of Linda DeLeon in the obituary column of the Daily Herald today (Monday, Jan. 25). I thought I would take a moment to write this because many people in Arlington Heights knew Linda and probably didn't know her last name.

Linda DeLeon worked at the old Arlington Grill for years and was a co-owner when it closed its doors in early 1996. There were legions of "regulars" from Arlington Heights and the surrounding area that frequented the Grill.

When the Grill closed, one Daily Herald article described that "to the customers, the Arlington Grill represents the last vestige they know of hometown America where patrons from all walks of life become friends at the counter."

It was called a "Cheers" kinda' place with "the untrendiest of facades."

Linda described the Grill as "a community in itself; all our regulars are like family."

Anyone reading this who knew Linda will recall her cheerful smile, wry sense of humor and friendly demeanor - and also an abundance of very fond memories.

Gail Galster

Arlington Heights